End of life care at home or hospice?
Arranging end of life care for your loved one can feel difficult and emotionally overwhelming. Naturally, you want what is best for your loved one, ensuring that they are as comfortable and cared for as possible in the time they have left. Many people wonder whether to choose end of life care at home or in a hospice for those living in their final days.
In this blog post, we discuss end of life care in Christchurch and the surrounding area so that you can consider the different factors and how these different options support your loved one’s needs and desires.
End of life care at home
We design our end-of-life care services to provide physical and emotional support in the comfort of your loved one’s home. Because we come to your loved one, there is no need for them to uproot their life and endure the stress of moving to a new environment. They get to remain in the place they feel most comfortable, surrounded by memories, familiarity, pets and loved ones.
Our services are tailored towards the unique needs of your loved one to ensure they receive the specialised support they deserve. This can include meal preparation, personal care, continence care, housekeeping and help with mobility issues, and basic or comprehensive clinical support. In addition, our compassionate carers provide emotional, spiritual and psychological support to the whole family.
End of life care in a hospice
End of life care can also be provided in a hospice. Like end-of-life care at home services, hospice care aims to improve the quality of life for your loved one in the time they have left, by providing physical, emotional and spiritual support. At a hospice, you can expect to find a team of nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, complementary therapists, social workers and even a chaplaincy service.
Choosing where to receive care
Choosing whether to receive end of life care at home or in a hospice comes down to your loved one’s needs, what their priorities are and what is best for your family. Many people prefer to remain at home because it is the place they feel most comfortable and safe. It can be incredibly reassuring to be surrounded by familiar possessions, sleep in the same bed and know that family and friends are close by. Remaining at home can also offer a more peaceful and private environment. On the other hand, depending on your loved one’s symptoms, a hospice with specialist care may be better suited to managing their pain and discomfort. However, both options offer support for your loved one and your family.
We encourage you to speak with your loved one about what their needs, wishes and priorities are. What matters to one person may be less important to someone else. Together, you can look into the options available and discuss the best choice for your family.
Get in touch
If you are interested in discussing end-of-life care at home for your loved one, we are here to support you in whatever way we can. Please do not hesitate to get in touch or phone us on 01202 800 494. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to answer any of your questions or provide more information on our services.